“In whatever manner you wish to be - ‘part of,’ - you will always be radically welcomed into this community as one of God’s (and our) beloved.”

- J.L., BostonWarm participant and volunteer

A response to crisis:

In October 2014 Boston’s Long Island Bridge - which had provided Boston’s only access to the city’s largest homeless shelter and to private detox centers - was condemned. Its closure abruptly displaced more than 700 persons. Whether these vulnerable individuals were soon sheltered elsewhere or moved to the streets, the experience has been traumatic. Many are still struggling to recover.

In response, a coalition of religious leaders came together to establish the BostonWarm Day Centers, which opened in January 2015. These centers provided critical practical, personal and nonjudgmental support for hundreds of unhoused neighbors throughout that record breaking winter.

The coalition soon found that the dire need for safe supportive community did not end with the winter cold. As a consequence, one of the two BostonWarm day centers continued throughout September 2015.

And then, with the blessings and support of the coalition that founded it, on October 5th 2015, management of this day center transferred to common cathedral - hosted at Emmanuel Church.

Our growth:

Participation at BostonWarm Emmanuel has been strong and continues to grow, with more than 70 guests per day.

In addition to the stable community that has developed since the opening of the BostonWarm day centers, we welcome new persons into our community, including those who are newly unhoused. We expect that our numbers will continue to grow throughout the winter.

Ways to help:

We are requesting support in making and dropping off pre-made sandwiches.

To donate food sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4aafa829aaf94-common

All are welcome!

Together, let’s bridge the gap between unhoused and housed people in Boston.